Watertown in Codington County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

John Moodie Dry Goods Company

123, 125, 127 E. Kemp

— Watertown Commercial Historic District —

John Moodie Dry Goods Company Marker image. Click for full size.

April 20, 2024

1. John Moodie Dry Goods Company Marker

Inscription. Built 1913 by S.X. Way, local newspaperman. J.C. Penney store beginning 1920's.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.

Location. 44° 53.999′ N, 97° 6.697′ W. Marker is in Watertown, South Dakota, in Codington County. It is on Kemp Avenue East west of 2nd Street East, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 123 E Kemp Ave, Watertown SD 57201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East River.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

on the prairies,

and on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Woolworth Building (here, next

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

to this marker); E.H. Prey Jeweler and Optician (a few steps from this marker); Balsiger's Bakery (within shouting distance of this marker); Foley Block–East End (within shouting distance of this marker); Foley Block–West End (within shouting distance of this marker); Retail Building (within shouting distance of this marker); State Bank and Trust Company or Commercial Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Harper Building (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Watertown.

Regarding John Moodie Dry Goods Company. Contributing property, Watertown Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places #89000834.

Also see . . . South Dakota SP Watertown Commercial Historic District | National Archives NextGen Catalog.

From the National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet (1989):

"(121) John Hoodie Dry Goods Company; 1913; built by S.X. Way, president local newspaper, as speculative venture; similar to adjacent buildings, also probable Way projects; 2-story; brown brick; simple geometric detail; groups of windows have stone sills; contributing"

"The
April 20, 2024

2. John Moodie Dry Goods Company Building & Marker
The marker is next to the doorway at the far left.
Watertown Commercial Historic District is ... a homogenous collection of mostly commercial, 2-story, brick buildings, many dating from the turn of the century. ... Through scale (many 1- and 2-story buildings), materials (brick in brown shades, Kasota stone trim), and the presence of many buildings from the 1898-1915 period, the district conveys a unified and attractive appearance. Design features such as brick dentils further distinguish the district while reinforcing the feeling of a particular time and place. The high representation of 1898-1915-era buildings indicates the key development period of the district, while the wide span of construction dates from the 1880s to 1970 represent a continuum of commercial enterprise."

(Submitted on April 21, 2024.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2024. This page has been viewed 189 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 21, 2024.